FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAMILTON, Feb. 09, 2023 — Hamilton’s own Karen Ancheta has been recognized with a Metcalf Foundation internship grant in Artistic Direction. Ancheta is a Hamiltonian Filipina Canadian multidisciplinary artist who will be under the mentorship of Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius, Mary Francis Moore, an award-winning director, playwright and dramaturg.
Ancheta is an accomplished artist and community bridge builder both nationally and locally. Currently, Ancheta plays Nelson’s Short-Eared Shrew in Theatre Aquarius’ World Premiere production of The Extinction Therapist by award-winning playwright Clem Martini through February 11, 2023. Through her work with Hamilton-based collective, Porch Light Theatre – 2021-2022 Company in Residence at Theatre Aquarius, Ancheta supports the development of emerging artists. She is also co-founder of The Garden Project an annual funding initiative for Hamilton-based racialized artists.
“I am excited by Karen’s boundless energy and imaginative approach.” explains Moore. For her part, Ancheta is equally excited to work with Moore in this internship. “My mind opened as she dared me to think about expanding and applying my process on a larger scale,” explains Ancheta, “With Mary Francis’ depth of knowledge and guidance, in 10 months I expect to gain deeper theatrical vocabulary and solidify all aspects of my own artistic practice.”
“This internship means possibility,” says Ancheta, “I’m interested in building effective strategies for community outreach, safer spaces for artists and company care.”
The Metcalf Foundation’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy, and creative society. The foundation supports paid internship opportunities to provide individuals with learning-rich professional experiences and to encourage performing arts companies to foster emerging leaders in the sector.
Theatre Aquarius is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve surrounding communities through the arts by embodying the qualities of the Hamilton community. Receiving the Metcalf Grant will help advance its vision to be a hub for creative conversation, possibility, community engagement, innovation and igniting future voices.
For more information, contact:
Name: Sara Cotton, Theatre Aquarius
Phone: (416) 557 – 2269
Email: scotton@theatreaquarius.org